Why does stress divert energy away from the immune system?
◦ Responding to stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which diverts energy from the immune system to the muscles and brain.
◦ Stress causes the body to secrete less cortisol, which is a necessary stimulant for increasing the energy level of the immune system.
◦ Responding to stress activates the central nervous system, which in turn momentarily shuts off all functioning in the immune system.
◦ Stress causes red blood cell counts to rise, which in turn causes white blood cell counts to fall dramatically.